PM lays foundation for Daanish School in AJK; promises educational and economic progress
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. Photo: File
MUZAFFARABAD:
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday praised a recent report submitted to the US Congress that credited Pakistan with “military success” during its four-day clash with India in May, saying the results validated the nation’s armed forces and their professional expertise.
Speaking at the foundation stone laying ceremony of a Daanish school in Harighel, Azad Kashmir, the Prime Minister said the report confirmed what the country’s brave soldiers had achieved.
He reiterated that the US congressional report highlighted Pakistan’s exemplary performance during Marka-e-Haq, including the shooting down of seven Indian aircraft. He credited Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir for the success of the armed forces.
“Our soldiers and pilots earned Pakistan respect on the world stage,” Shehbaz said, stressing the “fearless and timely decisions” taken by both civilian and military leaders to respond decisively to the Indian aggression.
The report, submitted by the US-China Economic and Security Review Commission, also stated that Pakistani forces shot down several Indian aircraft, including Rafales, in the four-day standoff, which later became a “key selling point for Chinese defense exports.”
Shehbaz said the nation must now complement its achievements on the battlefield with economic progress. “After proving our military capabilities, the time has come to secure victories in the economic field. Nations that do not develop economically cannot succeed,” he stressed.
He reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to the people of Indian occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK). “Pakistan will continue its moral, political and diplomatic support. One day the children of Occupied Kashmir will also study in Daanish Schools,” he said.
Shehbaz highlighted the expansion of the Daanish School network, initially launched in Punjab in 2010, to Azad Kashmir. New campuses are planned for Neelum Valley and Forward Kahuta, with the aim of providing underprivileged children with access to quality education, modern technology, free uniforms, meals, accommodation and trained faculty recruited from local communities.
Shehbaz emphasized that the government remains focused on sustainable economic development and directed the new AJK leadership to ensure strong governance and improved public services to residents.
At the ceremony attended by AJK Prime Minister Faisal Mumtaz Rathore, Union Ministers and members of the AJK Legislative Assembly, the Prime Minister directed the AJK Education Department to complete the Harighel facility by March 23, 2026.
Speaking on the occasion, Rathore lauded the initiative as a reflection of the Prime Minister’s commitment to the region, stating that students graduating from Daanish Schools would emerge as future leaders for the benefit of AJK and Pakistan.
Earlier, Shehbaz chaired a high-level meeting in Islamabad to review the privatization of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA). He directed authorities to speed up the process with full transparency and outlined plans to expand the fleet from 18 to 38 air-capable aircraft by 2029.
The meeting was attended by Defense Minister Khawaja Asif, Union Ministers Azam Nazeer Tarar, Ahad Khan Cheema, Muhammad Aurangzeb, Adviser to Prime Minister on Privatization Muhammad Ali, and senior officials.
